We wrote about how his fourth-quarter takeover in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers was just another example of his ability to make his mark when it matters most.

We wrote about how his impact is undeniable despite the fact that his play oftentimes flies under the radar.

We wrote about how he, during those seven games since Portland's last loss, had an average plus-minus of plus-9.4, had scored a league-high 68 fourth-quarter points and had gone 9-for-17 from beyond the arc during fourth-quarter play.

This week, we're writing about it again.

That seven-game winning streak? It's now up to 10 — the longest active streak in the league.

During this stretch, Lillard leads the NBA in total points (325) and three-pointers made (44 on 103 attempts) and trails only Rudy Gobert with a plus-minus of plus-116. He also has a net rating of 12.9 and a true-shooting percentage of 63.4 — good enough for fourth and sixth in the league, respectively, among guards averaging at least 30 minutes per game.

The Blazers, meanwhile, hold sole possession of third place in the West, two games ahead of Oklahoma City, and are on pace for their first 50-win season since Lillard took over as the face of the franchise after LaMarcus Aldridge's departure.

"I don't know if there is any other player in this league right now that is playing at a higher level than Lillard," Spoelstra said. "You know the names in the MVP conversation. The way he's playing right now and winning, he deserves to be in that conversation as well."

2013: Portland Trail Blazers general manager Neil Olshey poses with point guard Damian Lillard as Lillard was presented with the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award for December. Steve Dykes, USA TODAY Sports

2014: Damian Lillard reacts after making a three-point basket against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter in Game 3 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Craig Mitchelldyer, USA TODAY Sports

2014: Damian Lillard yells "Rip City" into the arena PA after hitting the game-winning shot during Game 6 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Craig Mitchelldyer, USA TODAY Sports

2015: Damian Lillard reacts after making a three-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Craig Mitchelldyer, USA TODAY Sports

4. Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors

Durant, despite attempting a season-high 32 shots and making just 11 during Sunday's loss to Minnesota, has been a scoring machine since Stephen Curry went down with another ankle injury just two minutes into Thursday's win over San Antonio. He's averaging an NBA-best 38.7 points during these past three games (though two have been losses) and has made 15 of his 31 three-point attempts and 27 of his 29 free throws.

3. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

James' weekend in Los Angeles didn't go as planned for the Cavs, who dropped both games to the Clippers and Lakers by a combined 28 points. The latter game ended in frustrating fashion for James, and unless his Cavs right this ship quickly, they could find themselves outside of the East's top-four come playoff time.

2. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

While the allure of the Pelicans' 10-game winning streak is no longer, Davis' game remains fascinating as ever. His most recent performance? 25 points (on his 25th birthday, no less), 11 rebounds, 10 blocks and three steals. He became the first player since David Robinson, and the third player in NBA history, to post such a stat line.

1. James Harden, Houston Rockets

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Harden is, without question, the MVP front-runner. He has a firm grip on the No. 1 spot despite the level of play of those mentioned before him and, barring some sort of miraculous decline, should finish this race quite comfortably. Though his Rockets' 17-game winning streak was snapped Friday against Toronto, Harden was spectacular yet again, finishing with 40 points on 15-of-22 shooting.